Easy Ways to Change the Height of a Fabric Cutting Table

Cut More Comfortably by Adjusting Cutting Table Height

Customize Your Fabric Cutting Table

It's easy to change the height of your fabric cutting to help prevent the back and arm aches that often occur after a rotary cutting session. Try one of the methods that our quilting community members have used to solve the problems created by a too-short or too-tall cutting table.

If you aren't sure how high the table should be, visit a few quilt or fabric shops to find out what height they recommend.

They do need to make their tables a height that works for several staff members, but the information is a good starting point for your own best table height.

You might also take a cutting mat into your kitchen to see if countertop height works for you. Experiment until you're happy with table height because the 'ideal' height differs for everyone.

From Mary Keller:Look for bed risers that are usually available at discount stores, especially during the time when college kids are heading off to school. You can use the risers to lift your cutting table to a better height. Risers are lightweight and are not very expensive.

From Janet Corcoran:I used the bed risers that my son took to college to raise my cutting table. Shop for tables and you'll also find adjustable tables. One measures 2' x 4' and adjusts to three heights: low, standard and high.

From Debbie Evans:My cutting table is made with fold out legs that are curved at the bottom. I added 11" pieces of PVC pipe plus end caps to raise the table to a comfortable height of about 35.5". My other fold out tables and card tables have PVC pipe extensions, but I used inserted the legs into small PVC pipe to keep them from sliding all the way down to the floor.

Cap the inside pipe or use a small enough pipe that keeps the legs at a specific height.

From Ann Reagan:When I cut fabric or worked at my cutting table in the past, I had a backache afterward because the table was too low. I purchased an 8-foot long 6" x 6" and had it cut it into 12" pieces that I use to raise the legs of my table. The table is extremely sturdy and fits my needs perfectly. No more backaches, and I have some extra lifters for another table.

Risers Aren't Just for Cutting Tables

From Cathy Quashie:I use risers on my cutting table, but I have also used PVC pipes to raise the height of my ironing board because the normal height hurts my back when I press my quilts. Making the board sit a little higher has helped make ironing a more comfortable task.